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Next Steps In Easing Coronavirus Restrictions In Ventura, Santa Barbara Counties Could Be Tough

Florists, bookstores, and clothing shops were among the stores which reopened in Ventura County last Friday, as coronavirus related shutdowns were slightly eased.

But officials caution that further relaxation of stay at home orders, and the reopening of all businesses, is still a process that’s not going to happen in a few days.

Friday’s step was a big one. Now, before restaurants can reopen for dining and malls can once again return to business, some county benchmarks set by the state much be reached.

Dr. Robert Levin is Ventura County’s Public Health Officer. He says more testing, and tracing efforts of suspected cases are key to the continued relaxation of restrictions.

The Ventura County health official says that while the number of diagnosed cases will go up with increased testing, it also improves the chance of corralling those with the virus.

Santa Barbara County officials say they face another, unique hurdle in meeting the next set of guidelines for reopening.

The County is reporting 1362 positive coronavirus cases as of Tuesday morning, more than Ventura and San Luis Obispo Counties combined. But 937 of them are linked to the federal prison complex in Lompoc. County officials say the federal government has rebuffed their offers of aid in efforts to try to control the outbreak.

Santa Barbara County Supervisor Gregg Hart says the problem at the prison shouldn’t be counted against the county’s efforts to meet the state’s reopening requirements.

Santa Barbara County Public Health Officer Dr. Henning Ansorg says he knows its hard, but people have to continue social distancing and other measures to set the stage for the relaxation of more rules.

Lance Orozco has been News Director of KCLU since 2001, providing award-winning coverage of some of the biggest news events in the region, including the Thomas and Woolsey brush fires, the deadly Montecito debris flow, the Borderline Bar and Grill attack, and Ronald Reagan's funeral. 
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